Al Meola - Electric Rendezvous

Out of print in the U.S. The previous Splendido Hotel album showcased the jazz greats' veering into some slightly more rock & soul shadings. This the Al DiMeola album that really looks to the rockier end of jazz/rock and fusion. On this occasion, he teams up with keyboardist Jan Hammer, Anthony Jackson on the bass guitar and Steve Gadd on the drums. The music is full of hard rhythms and thudding instrumental parts. On 'God Bird Change', 'Cruisin' and 'Black Cat Shuffle' Di Meola and Hammer shine very much as equal partners. But it's not heavy metal or anything, despite the 'electrified panther' on the cover. One of the strongest numbers from the album though is the acoustic 'Passion, Grace & Fire' with a passionate Paco de Lucia.